After years of delays and regulatory scrutiny, the Boeing 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 have moved a significant step closer to entering commercial service. Speaking at the Farnborough International Airshow, FAA Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau said certification of both aircraft is now “closer than ever before”.
The two variants have remained uncertified following the fatal 737 MAX 8 accidents in 2018 and 2019, which led to sweeping changes in Boeing’s certification process. More recently, the 2024 Alaska Airlines MAX 9 door plug incident prompted even greater regulatory oversight, further extending the timeline.
A key milestone was Boeing’s redesign of the aircraft’s engine anti-ice system, one of the final technical hurdles preventing certification. According to Boeing, only a small number of certification flight tests remain before the process can be completed.
The certification is particularly important for airlines awaiting deliveries. Boeing has already built around 30 MAX 7s and nine MAX 10s, while the MAX 10 alone accounts for more than a quarter of the manufacturer’s outstanding 737 MAX orders. Southwest Airlines is expected to become the launch customer for the MAX 7, while United Airlines has long planned to introduce the larger MAX 10 into its fleet.
